Images and Vectors
Combine Vectors (Shaping)
Using the Shaping tools it is possible to create shapes resulting from the
intersection of two vector-based figures. Have in mind that if you have
full command of this technique you will be able to sketch complex
shapes with little effort.
In this way, the combination of several shapes creates one only figure
(in most cases), or performs modifications in the geometry of both
figures. You can combine the different types of figures available in the
application to create new shapes easily. The procedure to combine
figures is the following:
To give an example we will apply each of the described combinations to the figures presented in
the figures next, so you can see the different results obtained.
Addition Substraction Intersection
Exclusion Trim Simplify
This tool is available from the Artwork – Vector – Layout ribbon > Combine group > Combine
Vectors or from the context menu. It is very useful whenever you have to work on vector-based
images, since some shapes are made up by several figures, and many of them can be
overlapped.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
In the three figures next see how the vector-based drawing is formed, pay attention to the number
of overlapping zones it has.
In figure (a) appreciate how you view the image in Stitch Era’s
Graphic View, see that it looks like one only element at first
sight.
Nevertheless, in figure (b) you can see the outlines of each of
the figures that form the sketch. You can see that it is
composed by several overlapping elements, one on top of the
other.
In figure (c) each of the overlapping zones were painted in
gray. Note that there are darker areas, since several figures
overlap there.
Avoiding large overlaps
To create some designs, you can use sections that, when overlapped, form one only figure,
nevertheless, it is convenient to consider some aspects before starting the procedure.
For example, to create a design with the shape shown on the figure, you can overlap the sections
shown in the following figure.
From the embroidery point of view, such
overlap of sections is not recommended.
Observe in the following figure the result of
the design created as from these three
overlapped figures.
Note that the sequence of sections will result in a design which even if it is correctly viewed on
screen, it will have some problems at the time of embroidering, because of the big number of
stitches of each layer that are overlapped in one area.
Consider that a little overlap should exist between sections, but not large ones. This overlap is
necessary to avoid section separation due to the thread tension at the time of embroidering.
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Images and Vectors
To correct the situation showed in the
example, you must capture the following
sections, and place them in such a way that
you obtain the same result.
The design is formed by the sections shown
on the right figure; this sequence of sections
will reproduce the original design but will not
create big areas of overlaps of stitches.
If you capture the adequate sections you will obtain the design shown on the
right figure, which even though it is similar to the previous one and does not
present big changes on screen, it does not present overlapping, this difference
will be very noticeable mainly when generating the embroidery in the machine.
Group & Ungroup Vectors
It is possible to group two or more vector-based figures to be considered a
unit. In this way, it will be possible to move them, apply the same
transformations in shape and other changes to all the figures in the group at
the same time.
It is also possible to merge other groups already created, thus creating
nested groups.
To create a group select the figures to activate the Group command from the Artwork – Vector –
Layout ribbon > Grouping group or from the context menu (Group Objects > Vectors group).
Ungroup and Ungroup all
To ungroup the figures that form a group, select the group and then choose
the option Ungroup. If you have created nested groups (groups made by
other groups), the Ungroup command explodes just one level, while the
Ungroup All explodes all the groups and returns the original objects
completely ungrouped.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
This option is very important whenever you insert wmf or emf images, since it is made up by a
series of grouped vector-based images. Apply this function to edit any of these figures.
Two grouping levels Ungroup (1 level) Ungroup All
Vector Order
In the edition of vector-based figures, you will be able to modify the layout
of the vector-based shapes from Artwork-Vector-Layout ribbon > Order or
from the context menu option “Change Order”.
The options are:
Front: It sends the selected element to the front, before the rest of the
objects, placing it in the forefront.
Back: It places the selected object behind the rest of the objects.
Move Forward: The figure selected moves one level forward.
Move Backward: The figure selected moves one level backwards.
Accurate Size & position control
Once you have the image on the screen, no matter whether it was in
the disk or scanned, you can perform certain operations such as
expand / compress, slant or rotate the image.
To access these tools, select a vector and go to the Layout tab.
Position: Allows to control the exact location (vertical and/or horizontal coordinates) of the upper
left corner of the box that surrounds the edited figure.
Size: This group lets you precisely control the size of the object. The padlock icon sets the
proportional mode: when pressed, changing one of the object's dimensions (width or height) will
automatically adjust the other in order to keep the object aspect ratio. When unchecked, you can
control both, width and height independently.
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Images and Vectors
Clicking on the small icon at lower-right corner will open a
box from where you may set the dimensions as a value or
percentage.
The Scale and Shape options, work the same way as for bitmap images. Please look at the
explanation given there (page 10).
Alignment
These functions allow you to place the vector figure on a determined
location, left, right, top, bottom or center, in both directions or in either of
the two.
You will also be able to access the tools from the vector´s context menu.
You have two alignment possibilities:
To Object: This tools aligns the objects inside the block to left, right, top and bottom, using as
reference the leftmost, rightmost, upper and lower object of the block. You can also align the
center of the objects horizontally, vertically or both.
To Design: Contains tools to align the whole block with respect to the design, that is, with respect
to all other objects not included in the block.
Center at origin: Moves the center of the block to the system origin point (0,0)
Vector Repetitions
The following functions allow you to repeat one or more times the selected
figure/s. You can access these commands from Artwork - Vector - Layout
ribbon > Create Objects group or from the context menu options.
Duplicate
This command performs a copy and paste of the selected vector/s in only one step. It
always works on the active document. Pressing the button more times makes another
copy of the selected vector/s you copied the first time.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Matrix Repetitions
Use this function to duplicate the vector/s a certain number of times; the copies of the
vector/s will appear adjusted to a mold in the shape of cells.
Define the number of rows, columns and the horizontal and vertical distance from the matrix cells.
To work with this tool, follow the procedure below:
1)Select a group of vectors (paw) and from the Layout tab click
on Matrix Repetitions.
2) In the Matrix box set the number of rows and columns, and
the distance between them, horizontally and vertically.
Click on OK to see the result in the work area, the vector/s
will repeat a number of times depending on the values
entered.
In the example shown in the left figure we chose a number
of 2 rows and 4 columns to repeat the paw vector.
Contour with Offset
Use this function to create one or more vector lines, outside or inside the original vector's
shape outline (contour) separated a defined distance one from the other.
After selecting Contour with Offset, the “Create contour” window will open. You have several
predefined contour options to choose from:
Outer Contour, that makes the new
vector/s towards the outside of the original
vector;
Inner Contour, that makes the new
vector/s towards the insides of the original
vector;
Custom, lets you define whether you want
to make an inner or outer contour; the
order in which the vectors will be made; the
number, separation and color of the new
lines.
Last Used shows the most frequent ones.
Favorites shows all the ones which you have marked as favorites in Outer or Inner Contours. To
copy a predefined contour to the favorite tab, just go to the Outer or Inner Contour tabs, click on
the desired one and press the yellow star found on the same tab.
Also on the Inner and Outer Contour windows, you have an Edit button on the right that let´s you
see and modify the selected contour.
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Images and Vectors
Export Vector Images
Saving Vector Images to Disk
You can work on vector figures and use the tools provided by the application to
modify the vector graphics. Afterwards you can save the vector to disk directly from
the application.
From the ribbon Artwork-Vector-Layout > Export group > Save button...
Save the file under EMF format, compatible with many programs that use vector
graphics, DXF, and PLT. Depending upon the format selected, the border and body
or just the border will be saved.
When you import or open vector images composed of many vectors, you must ungroup to start
editing each one of them.
If these vector shapes are not removed before saving the document it is saved with the design.
This is useful to change created saved forms in later editions.
Send Figures to Cutters
You can send a vector shape, a group of vector shapes or the entire vector image
to the vinyl cutter. The cutter driver provided by the cutter manufacturer must be
previously installed.
From the ribbon Artwork-Vector-Layout > Export group > Send Figures to Cutter...
Using Vector images as...
Auxiliary images
They are loaded just to be used as reference for design creation.
When you enable the 3D embroidery simulated mode, the Auxiliary images
will become hidden. To view the auxiliary images again, just disable the
simulation view.
Open the Object Manager to see the Document Map, which consists of
several tabs. If a vector image is only used as reference, it should only
appear in this tab.
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Cutter images
These figures are the ones that will be sent to the cutter device.
When you enable the Simulation View, the Cutter figures will be visible on
the workspace.
You can turn an auxiliary image to a cutter one, just by selecting the auxiliary
image and clicking on the Cutter button. The converted image will no longer
appear in the Auxiliary tab, but will be now shown in the Cutter tab.
Screen Printing images
You may load an image that is part of the final design, for example as
backgroung of the embroidery. When you set an image as screenprinting, it
will be showed, along with your embroidery objects, in the simulation window.
When you enable the Simulation View, the Screen Printing figures will be
visible on the workspace.
You can turn an auxiliary or cutter image, to a Screen Printing one just by
selecting the desired image and clicking on the Screen Printing button. The
converted image will no longer appear in the original tab, but will be now
shown in the Screen Printing tab.
All images no matter what kind they are will appear in the ALL tab.
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Chapter 7
Art to Stitch
C o n t e n t :
Art to Stitch...................................................................................................2
A2S on Bitmap Images.........................................................................2
A2S adjustments.................................................................................3
Basic Setting...................................................................................3
Color Processing..............................................................................4
Needle settings................................................................................5
Stitch Setting..................................................................................6
A2S on Vector Images.........................................................................7
Image to Photo-Stitch......................................................................................8
Example step by step.......................................................................9
Photo Stitches Features..................................................................10
Image to Cross Stitch.....................................................................................12
Stitch Era – User's Manual
In this chapter you will find details on one of the methods that Stitch Era offers to create
embroideries in an automatic way starting from image and vectors you created or have imported
in the main work area.
Art to Stitch
Art to Stitch (A2S) is a tool that allows you to automatically convert your images
(bitmaps) and vectors to embroidery designs. Stitch Era recognizes the image
geometry, and applies the most adequate stitch type for each shape.
Afterwards, the system will let you modify the stitches and fills that Stitch Era
produced in an automatic way.
A2S on Bitmap Images
You have four options to perform an Art to Stitch (A2S) over a
bitmap image.
Art to Stitch (Intelligent): Recognizes shapes that could be better
filled up with Paths instead of Areas, and uses the first ones when
an acceptable conversion is possible.
Art to Stitch (Area Only): It only uses Areas to make the
conversions.
Image to Photo-Stitch: performs an automatic trace of the image
captured and generates Photo stitches. Explained later on this
chapter.
Image to X-Stitch: creates a Cross Stitch - based design,
according to the contours formed by the color count of the picture.
Explained later on this chapter.
Suggestions for the correct use of Art to Stitch
The image attributes are the key to obtaining the expected result. These are some suggestions to
get optimal results when using A2S:
The system will recognize areas with pure colors only. Avoid color gradation and
mixing colors in the images.
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Art to Stitch
The automatic vectorization works perfectly with borders of clearly defined colors.
Use images with well-defined shapes and borders.
Avoid small areas.
Image Resolution is very important too. Use values around 250 pixels per inch
(100 pixels per centimeter).
Note: If you do not consider these points, the application might show an error. In this case, correct the image and try again.
A2S adjustments
Once you have opened an image or vector and selected the option A2S, a box will appear with all
configuration parameters you need to make the conversion.
If you use A2S on a bitmap image, the box will have four settings tabs: Basic, Color, Needle and
Stitch. If you use A2S on a vector the box will not show the color setting tab.
Below is a description of all the settings of the corresponding window:
Basic Setting
On this tab you have to choose the criterion or
strategy for the automatic sorting of the sections.
There are seven check box options that will be
enabled according to the image or vector type.
Next you will find the features of each item. The
examples shown here are the same as the ones that
will appear in the Settings tab.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Object to fill
1. Fill Areas and Borderlines
2. Fill Areas Only
3. Fill Borderline Only
Artwork Processing
4. Artwork Unaltered - No processing
5. Process Major Overlaps
6. Process All Overlaps
7. Remove Small Holes And Inlets
Color Processing
In this you will find the following elements:
1. Preview box: from where you can see the
result(s) obtained.
2. Previews tabs: shows the Original image,
the Filtered and both arts.
3. Reduce up to: allows you to reduce the
number of colors in the image, this is the
first filter you should control, reducing the
colors without deforming the image.
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Art to Stitch
Small areas filter: eliminates the noise in the image, this
noise is composed by small pixels dissociate color, called
“holes”. As you increase this control, the application will
eliminate the biggest holes.
4. Color List: From the colors view select those tones that are similar, and click on
the Combine button for them to merge. It is convenient to reduce the number of
colors of the image when possible; in this way the application will be able to
distinguish easily the changes in tone. To select two or more colors in the color
view, press Ctrl and click on the color to merge, then press the Combine button. If
the result is not the expected one and you want to improve it, use the undo
combination buttons.
5. Transparent Color: The drop down list shows you the colors that form the
image. This function has been specially thought to avoid the system to apply a
stitch section on the background. You must choose the background color to make
it transparent. Remember to carry on this procedure properly; the image
background must have only one color.
Needle settings
From this tab you can select the strategy to assign the artwork colors to your needle palette. Next
you have the four possible check box strategies to apply:
1. Use free needles (skip those already in use) and redefine their colors according to the
artwork colors.
2. Do not use (skip) the lowers needles. Start using needle # and redefine needle colors
according to the artwork colors. Using this strategy a new needle palette will show you
at bottom of the box.
3. Do not use (skip) the lower needles. Start using needle # but don’t change needle
colors (design colors may result strange).
4. Assign artwork colors to needles and/or change needle colors manually.
From the Color Assignment box you can manually change the color needles selecting the
desired one.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Stitch Setting
Stitch Setting: from here you choose the
pattern type by clicking on the pattern image
and determinate the running stitch length.
Besides, from advance settings button you
can modify the fill mode, underlay and
compensation options.
Fabric Settings: Drop down and choose the
fabric type for the design. From advance
settings button you access the material editor.
Shape Recognition: This paragraph defines
the minimum and maximum limit for the Zig-
Zag stitches, being its options:
Minimum ZZ width: Running
Stitches will be created for shapes
thinner than this value.
Maximum ZZ width: Pattern fill
stitches will be created for shapes
thicker than this value.
When pressing the OK button, the automatic trace will create the embroidery design according to
the images geometric shape.
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Art to Stitch
If you activate the function hide auxiliar objects, you will be able to appreciate
the result in bigger detail, without having the image.
You can also press the Simulation View button (F7) to hide the background
image and show the simulated stitches.
A2S on Vector Images
You may have several options available to perform an Art to Stitch
(A2S) over a vector image, depending on how the vector image is
made of:
Art to Stitch (Intelligent): Recognizes shapes that could be better
filled up with Paths instead of Areas, and uses the first ones when
an acceptable conversion is possible.
Art to Stitch (Area Only): It only uses Areas to make the
conversions.
Art to Stitch (Line Only): For figures made out only of lines. Uses
Running Stitch Paths to create the objects.
Vector To X-Stitch: Creates a Cross Stitch-based design. The
operation is similar to Image To X-Stitch, explained later on this
chapter.
Basically, all options work similarly as to the ones explained to A2S on Raster Images. Please
read that information.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Image to Photo-Stitch
This operating mode performs an automatic trace of the image
captured and generates Photo stitches, creating a design. In the
following example only one needle was applied over the area starting
from a vector predefined by Stitch Era.
Advantages offered by operating with this tool:
Works with black and white images, gray scale and color images.
Produces monochromatic and multi-color embroideries.
Multiple photographic effects in each mode.
Enables to choose controls and parameters: adjust quality and speed levels,
contrast of black and other colors, resolution (spacing between tracking lines,
width of cells and margins), compensations and small stitches filters, stitches’
width and density, etc.
To change adjustments in order to obtain other results, you must only change
the properties of stitch creation and generate them again.
Considerations on the images to use
It is necessary that you consider the characteristics of the chosen image, as based on its
particulars, (color count, definition, contrast, etc.) results will be the expected ones or not.
Optimum images could be those that meet the following conditions:
Images with big shade contrasts (for instance, a black and white image)
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Art to Stitch
Should not be less than 10 cm. and bigger than 16 cm. width.
It is advisable to have objects or a specific element (for example, a dog, a soccer
ball, etc.) in the foreground
The foreground must be very well defined.
Try with images with no background, as this will produce a blurred and undefined
result (especially if it is a landscape, a dark background or similar).
Note: Select the image carefully. As the resulting embroidery is not an image, it will neither have the same resolution nor
definition of the original image. Do not use landscape or background images as you will not achieve the desired result. Use
foreground images always, otherwise, you will miss the small details.
Example step by step
Once the image has been selected following the criteria previously considered, you must follow a
series of steps, from the controls in the Options ribbon, to get Photo type stitches:
1- Select the digitizing method of applying a section area layout and with the desired
format on the image imported (we recommend using clipart figures). You may use
Manual (click by click), shapes, etc.
2- Choose the stitch mode, modifies separation, height and width of the cells.
3- Control object's Entry and Exit points, Stitch direction, holes, etc.
4- Add Trims and Lock Stitches.
5- Move the sliding knobs contrast and see the result. When you get the expected
result, click on Continue.
If you activate the function hide auxiliar objects, you will be able to appreciate
the result, without having the image.
You can also press the Simulation View button (F7) to hide the background
image and show the simulated stitches.
Note: Remember that the result obtained will depend on the properties assigned, and these are not same for all the images.
Adjust parameters to the properties and perform several attempts until reaching the desired result.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Photo Stitches Features
The chosen mode will determine the result of the creation
of stitches on the selected image. The values of the
remaining parameters are defined according to the option
chosen in this item. In the lower figures observe the result
of using different modes for a same design; they can use
one or several needle colors.
Line Spacing
From the control define the stitches spacing during each sweeping (either Zig-Zag or running
stitch type). This value makes the design density and the number of stitches to vary.
In the following figures you can appreciate a design created with a spacing of 2, and the same
design after applying a 0.5 spacing.
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Art to Stitch
Cell width and height
Modify these values to control the size of the cells produced in each sweeping. To generate the
stitches, the application divides the image surface in little cells, each cell corresponds to an area
of the reference image and can be filled with Zig-Zag type stitches or running stitches, according
to the color contrast in each part of the image. Increase or reduce these values according to the
concentration of stitches you want to obtain: the smaller these parameters are the smaller cell
width and bigger the design’s number of stitches.
In the left figure observe the
stitches when configuring a cell
width with a 2 mm value. In the
right figure you can appreciate
the same design but with a cell
width value of 0.9.
Contrast for black and color
This tool associates tones with stitch types, generating a sweeping in running stitches or Zig-Zag
stitches in each sector of the photo. When generating the stitches, the application will relate the
brightness of each pixel in the image with a length, a density and a stitch type.
From these options you can define the
sensitivity the creation of stitches will have
according to the different color contrasts of
the image.
Next we will explain the controls and visualization elements of this box:
1. Gradient level visualization box, from maximum brightness to minimum
brightness.
2. Relation slider control between types of stitches – brightness level.
3. Relation slider control between types of stitches – brightness level.
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Image to Cross Stitch
This option automatically creates a Cross Stitch-based design,
according to the contours formed by the color count of the picture.
Once you have applied this function, from the Stitch Editing ribbon
you will have the possibility to modify the result obtained.
Remember that the images to be used from this mode should not be
less than 16 cm wide.
Open an image on screen. From the Embroidery ribbon, open the Art
to Stitch option and select Image to X-Stitch.
The Color and Neddle setting window will appear for you to adjust
your image. Once you have finished, press OK to close this window.
The Cross-Stitch ribbon will open.
The Cross Stitch Ribbon has: (1) Control panel of cells, (2) Control panel of Size, (3) Needle
and Colors, (4) Generation button, (5) Edition tools (selection), (6) Clipboard tools (undo and
redo), (7) Drawing toolbar, (8) Fill mode option, (9) View, (10) Accept and return to main window.
From the status bar you will be able to display design’s information.
Press Generate button to view the stitches that represent the reference image. At
this stage you will be able to edit them: delete stitches, insert them, change their
color, etc. Once you have finished the operation, press the Return button so that
the result is displayed in Stitch Era's working area.
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Art to Stitch
Operating mode
The working area contains boxes with a network
pattern. From the different drawing tools you can
work on them to apply either Cross stitches or back
stitches.These back stitches insert stitches by the
borderline of the boxes. Observe these two types of
stitches in the figure.
Color selection
From the boxes up to the color bar you can visualize the colors defined as primary and
secondary.
In order to establish the foreground color, click on the desired color box. This color
will be used for lines, shape borders and text. It is represented by the upper square
(i.e. it is “over” the square with the background color).
In order to establish the background color, right-click on the desired color, this will be
used to fill the inside of the closed shapes. The background color replaces the image
area that was either cut or moved. It is represented by the lower square (i.e. it is
“under the square of the main color).
Drawing Tools
Use the different tools in the drawing bar to draw the finishing of the
design. Such tools are explained next:
Selector: It is used to enclose part of a design within a
rectangle, to copy it, move it or work on it.
Mode Selector: To work on all the design’s elements (default operation mode), either on the
stitches only or on the borderline only (back stitches).
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Pen and Line: It is used to draw or create straight lines.
Depending on the button you press, left or right, it will take the color
of the foreground or background. In order to choose the thickness
of the line, select any of the Line options from the Fill Mode box (A)
(figure at the bottom).
Rectangle, Ellipse and Polygon: They are used to draw geometric lines. With the
left button, you select the foreground color and with the right button you select the background.
For the filled or empty option, select any of the alternatives presented in the Fill Mode box (B)
(figure at the bottom).
Font: Used to introduce a text. When activated, the window where you have to introduce the
text, font, size, etc pops up. This is similar to any Windows application that allows the insertion of
texts.
Fill with Color: It is used to refill a sector with stitches or make a selection with the same
color. Depending whether you press the left or right button, it will take the color of the
foreground or the background.
Eraser: From here, choose the size of the stitch eraser.
Fill with Eraser: It is used to delete an area with stitches or a
selection of stitches with the same color.
Pick Color: It picks colors from a design; for this to happen you have to click on the stitches
chosen. Clicking on the left mouse button you select the foreground color and clicking on the right
mouse button, you select the foreground.
Stitches type: From the list choose the type of
stitches; there are three options: Cross stitch (in red
in the right figure) or borderline (back stitches)
diagonal or stepped (in blue in the right figure),
being these two last ones different ways to work on
the borderline of the boxes.
The difference on the borderline between the two
types of traces, is the way in which stitches behave
when creating slant lines, that is diagonally or
stepped.
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Chapter 8
Basic Manual Digitizing
C o n t e n t s
Embroidery ribbon...........................................................................................3
Stitches.............................................................................................4
Paths.................................................................................................4
Areas................................................................................................5
Uniform Areas.................................................................................6
Turning Areas..................................................................................6
Flexible Areas..................................................................................6
Columns............................................................................................7
Section elements ............................................................................................8
Nodes................................................................................................8
Section main reference.....................................................................8
Operating with nodes......................................................................10
Nodes colors.................................................................................13
Other node properties.....................................................................14
Using the node handles...................................................................16
Basic Elements .................................................................................18
Directions.....................................................................................19
Entry and Exit points......................................................................19
Holes...........................................................................................20
Advanced elements............................................................................21
Emboss Lines................................................................................21
Cut Lines......................................................................................22
Basic Digitizing and Section Fill........................................................................23
Paths...............................................................................................23
Columns...........................................................................................25
Areas...............................................................................................26
Adjustment & Compensation stitches....................................................32
Borderline........................................................................................34
Materials..........................................................................................35
Object Blocks................................................................................................36
Selecting blocks................................................................................37
Create a block using the Ctrl key......................................................39
Select a range of sections ...............................................................39
Block functions..............................................................................40
Block Scaling....................................................................................41
Proportional scaling........................................................................41
Non proportional scaling..................................................................42
Accurate Scaling and Rotation..........................................................43
Repetitions.......................................................................................46
Duplicate Block .............................................................................46
Circle Repetitions...........................................................................46
Kaleidoscope Repetitions.................................................................47
Curve Repetitions...........................................................................48
Matrix Repetitions..........................................................................48
Alignment.........................................................................................49
Alignment of the sections of a block..................................................49
Alignment of a block to the design....................................................50
Conversion of a block to a vector image............................................51
Basic Manual Digitizing
Embroidery ribbon
This ribbon contains all the necessary tools for the creation of embroidery designs. Each tool
allows to create a different type of embroidery sections; each of them has properties and
characteristics of its own. The choice of the tool to be used depends on the characteristics of the
figure to be created and the desired type of stitch.
All the tools described below will allow you to trace the basic shapes of the sections that, together
with some basic properties (such as color, pattern type, etc.), define the way in which Stitch Era
will generate the stitches.
Creating sections
In general, the creation tools have similar (not the same)
characteristics between them. However, each creation tool
has some peculiarities.
For example: the only case in which you can create open
figures is if you use the Path tool, on the other hand, in the
case of Column type sections, you should always insert
pairs of nodes to create the section.
You have different ways to build sections...
1) From the Create Sections button, in the auxiliary
toolbar (right image);
2) From the Smart Tool, also in the auxiliary toolbar;
3) From the Insert Embroidery Objects group, in the
Embroidery ribbon, through a series of drop down
menus (below image);
Here you will find the creation tools available in the application: Paths, Columns, Areas,
Stitches, Lettering and Monogramming.
Clicking on one of the creation modes will drop down its menu, for you to choose the type of stitch
desired for the section. Then define the section’s geometry in the working area. This working
method is known as manual trace method.
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Stitches
Elements:
Needle mark points (from 1 to 7 in right figure)
Usage:
Manual stitch creation. Each node represents a needle mark. This
creation tool is only used in those cases where it is necessary to
insert stitches manually.
Description:
It is a sequence of nodes that form a section. Each node has its
corresponding stitch.
To insert stitches manually, first click in the Create Stitch button in
the Embroidery ribbon > Insert Embroidery Objects group. Then,
make the stitches in the area of the design by clicking each place
you want to have a stitch. Once you have finished the job with this
tool, press the Enter key or click on Accept / OK from the context
menu. When you select a stitch from the Stitch Edition mode you
will be able to access the Move, Insert and Delete Stitch
commands.
Paths
Elements:
Main reference (nodes from 1 to 6)
Entry point (7)
Exit point (8)
Usage:
The creation of open or close sections starting from the tracing of a linear sequence of nodes
that serves as reference. Can be made out of straight and/or curved shapes.
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Description:
A Path is a continuous sequence of nodes in line. To create a Path type section, click on the Path
button in the Embroidery ribbon > Insert Embroidery Objects group, and select one of the
available fill types.
Then create the nodes that will be the main reference of the Path. You can establish the entry and
exit points, if you want. Remember that Stitch Era automatically defines the first node as entry
point and the last as exit point, if you forget to input those points.
Areas
Elements:
Main reference (nodes from 1 to 7)
Entry point (8)
Exit point (9)
Split lines (10 to 12)
Several direction lines (13-14 and 15-16),
although that for some geometric shapes or for
certain types of stitches the application will only
recognize the first direction created or none of
them.
Usage:
The creation of a sequence of nodes that, laid out in a line, form a close figure, thus defining the
geometry of the section. This creation tool allows you to capture close areas of any shape and
appearance, without the limitations and restrictions that the Column type sections present.
Description:
To capture an Area type section you must enter the outline
nodes (or main reference) and confirm the operation. After
defining the section shape, you have the possibility of entering
both the entry and exit points and other elements (directions,
split lines, holes) from the Area-Body ribbon > Elements group
or from the context menu. If you do not do so, Stitch Era
applies automatically a direction; an entry point and an exit
point.
So Areas are sections that are built by placing nodes in sequence (like a path) and closing at the
end. They can have multiple direction lines or several split lines and holes; Stitch Era will
automatically find the best way to fill it completely. If the section has one or more holes, only the
first direction created will be active.
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There are three different types of areas: uniform, turning and flexible. The basic difference among
them has to do with the number of stitch directions allowed and the type of nodes (straight or
curve) that form them.
Uniform Areas
The main feature is that this type of section needs only one straight direction to
guide the same way all the filling stitches.
Main Reference (nodes from 1 al 10)
Entry Point (12)
Exit Point (13)
Direction line (11)
The uniform areas support emboss lines, cut lines and holes.
Turning Areas
The main feature is that this section requires at least two directions to turn
progressive orientation of the stitches
Main reference (nodes from 1 to 10)
Entry Point (11)
Exit Point (12)
Direction lines (13, 14, etc...
The turning areas supports emboss lines, cut lines and holes.
Flexible Areas
The main feature is that this section allows you to set the directions
accompanying the figure's shape, so it addresses the curves that guide the
stitches along the shape.
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Main Reference (nodes from 1 to
10)
Entry Point (11)
Exit Point (12)
Direction along the figure (13).
The flexible areas support holes
Columns
Elements:
Main reference (vectors from 1 to 8)
Entry point (9)
Exit point (10)
Split lines
Usage:
The creation of sections through the tracing of pairs of
nodes that act in a combined way to define the section. A
section of this type is formed by at least two node pairs.
Description:
In a Column type section, the main reference is formed by guides. These are defined by
sequenced pair of nodes, which establish directions within the column.
These guides define both the section’s geometry
and the direction of the fill stitches. In only one
step you define graphically the shape of the
section and the direction of the stitches.
Once you have defined the section shape, you
have the possibility to enter the entry and exit
points; in case you do not do so Stitch Era will
apply them automatically.
Direction lines in column sections
In the following diagram you can observe three examples of Column type sections. We have
highlighted these directions for a better understanding.
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Section elements
Before getting deeper into the section creation arena, we will study some of the basics of design
production with Stitch Era.
Nodes
Section main reference
In all the tracing methods we try to establish section references that form the section’s figure. This
is known as main reference of the section, and it is formed by a sequence of points called nodes.
The nodes are points which are connected by a line that delimits the shape of the section.
Open or close figures
If the first node does not join with the last node of the section, we are talking
about an open figure. But, if these two nodes are connected between
themselves, you are in presence of a close figure. In the right figure, the
arrows indicate each of the section’s nodes. Please note that the nodes are
connected between themselves by a line. This line establishes the
geometric shape of the section.
The figure shown is an open section which corresponds to a Path type section.
In the left figure see the same section, but note that now the start and end
nodes are joint. This section is close. The close figures can be Path,
Column or Area type sections.
Use the Close function for the application to automatically close an open section
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Do the opposite in order to open a Path type section already closed.
To apply these commands, first edit the section by pressing “Select Object” or F11 and click on
the section so that it becomes selected (surrounded by a dotted rectangle). Now step on any of
the nodes, open the context menu (mouse right click) and click on the Open or Close function.
Curve types: Circular arcs or Bezier
At the moment of manual tracing you can specify two working modes. According to which one you
choose, the nodes will behave differently. Basically, we can say that with the working mode with
curves known as Circular Arcs, it will be easier for you to capture geometric shapes, although it
generally requires the insertion of more nodes. Being this the application’s working method by
default; we will adopt this creation method for the examples shown throughout this manual.
Though working mode with Bezier curves requires a better skill when capturing shapes, it allows
you to reduce the number of nodes that form the geometry of a section, therefore, it is the
recommended method for those users who normally design with vector-based applications that
use this type of curves (for example, CorelDraw®).
You can modify the default type of curve from Bezier to Circle Arcs or viceversa from the Home
ribbon > System group > System Settings and go to Application > Create & Edit > General >
Curves type item.
Example: Digitizing using circular arc curves
Before making any capture, you have to decide which creation tool is convenient for you to
produce each of the sections. Choose the creation tool, (Path, Column or Area) that better adjusts
to the result you want to achieve. Once you have done this, you must only create the nodes in the
design area, forming the figure that you want for the section.
In the following model you will see, step by step, the basic tips to make a circular section, with the
Path with Running Stitch creation tool.
For this example, the Curved and Normal modes must be activated.
Curved node is highlighted and Corner node is not.
If these properties are in a mode different to the proposed, you will not be able to create circular
shapes unless you press the Shift key. Observe the state of the corresponding buttons in the
toolbar. If it is necessary, modify them by clicking on them. While you insert nodes, Stitch Era will
connect them with straight or curved lines, according to the modes defined.
You will form the figure with the color selected in the color bar. If you have not defined any other
color, it will create sections in red by default.
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1) Go to the Embroidery ribbon > Insert Embroidery Object group and
select Path, choose the Running stitch fill type mode.
2) Click in the design area (point 1 in the left figure). In this way you
create the first node of the section. When making a second click in
another place of the design area (point 2) you create another node and a
line will connect both nodes.
3) Continue inserting nodes (3 and 4).
4) Approach the mouse pointer to the first node created. Note that this
changes its shape indicating you that the figure will close (if you make a
left mouse click).
5) Produce a closed figure by clicking near the first node created (5 in
the right figure).
Once the figure has been defined, you can right click to open the context menu and choose
Accept / OK, or just press the ENTER key.
When defining the geometric figure of the section (that is, when inserting the nodes)
you have the possibility of deleting the last node generated, by pressing the
BackStep key. If you press that key several times, you will see that the inserted
nodes disappear one by one, according to their creation order.
As you insert the necessary nodes to define the section’s geometry (that is, before
Confirming the new section), it is probable that you may want to modify the position of
the nodes entered, thus, remember the function of the BackStep key. Another way is
to edit the section and modify the location of the desired node. We will explain how to
do this later.
Operating with nodes
The following properties determine the trajectory of the line that goes through the node, either in
the Bezier curves and the Circular Arcs. The type of nodes that form a section's figure define its
geometric shape.
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Straight Type: Curve Type:
Represented by square nodes. Represented by circular nodes.
Normal Type: Corner Type:
Represented by white nodes. Represented by cyan nodes.
Toggle between Straight and Curved
In order to toggle between the Straight or Curved mode in the middle of the creation of a section
you can press the Shift key before clicking to create a node.
For example, if Straight mode is activated, while you keep the Shift key depressed the mode will
be Curved.
You can also modify the mode of a section already created. To do so, select one or mode nodes
and toggle between straight or curved nodes from the buttons in the ribbon, this will modify the
state of the node.
Examples:
You can make sections combining different types of nodes. In the following figures, the variation
between sections is given by the configuration of their node's properties (straight or curved).
Section formed by Straight Nodes
Section formed by Curved Nodes
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Section formed by the combination of
Curved and Straight Nodes
Normal / Corner property
When you define a node as Corner, you not only determine the geometry of the figure (the node
should form a border with acute angles), but also apply stitches specially prepared to fill that
section. These stitches will adjust correctly to the corner’s shapes.
So this property not only determines the geometric shape of the trace created, but also
determines the way in which the filling of the section will be made. Remember this feature always,
since it is unnecessary to have in mind that the Normal /Corner property when working with Bezier
curves (considering that in this capture method you can easily generate the shape of a corner
without toggling any command), but the application will have difficulties when trying to fill the
stitches of such section area.
Toggling between Normal and Corner
You can toggle between the Normal / Corner modes while you define the shape of the section.
Use the Ctrl key to do so.
For example, if the Normal mode is activated, while you keep the Ctrl key pressed, the mode will
be Corner.
Example:
In the following section we will use a Path with curved nodes. We will modify the mode of one of
its nodes to appreciate the result.
Section formed by Normal Nodes (a). In these types of
nodes, the Corner Node button on the toolbar appears
deactivated.
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The right figure shows a section formed by the
combination of Normal Nodes (a) and a Corner type
Node (b).
In the corner node (b), the corresponding button on
the toolbar appears activated.
Observe that the following figures have different node types (a, b and c).
These correspond to:
a) Straight / Normal
b) Curves / Normal
c) Curves / Corner
To create the examples above, we used a Path with Running Stitch fill.
Nodes colors
Through the color assigned to the different types of nodes, Stitch Era will help you visualize the
elements of the design during all the working stages.
- Nodes that belong to the section’s outlines are
white in the case of normal nodes or light blue for
the corner nodes, whether curved or straight.
- Curved nodes: circular figures.
- Straight nodes: square figures.
- Cut lines: square figures.
Other elements are also represented with highlighted points, Such as:
The direction lines nodes are yellow.
The entry point is a green diamond.
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The exit point is a red diamond.
The cut lines nodes are blue.
Other node properties
From the context menu, the toolbar or the left panel, you have more configuration and node
edition options, by clicking on the right mouse button while having at least one node selected.
If you have selected only one node when activating a function, this will only be applied to that
node. However, you may also activate a function on the group of nodes previously selected. For
the corner type nodes placed in the main outlines, you have three modes available. The Corner
Swept option is active by default. You can configure different corner types, mainly Zigzag Paths or
Columns, E stitch and some patterns. Remember that if you are not working over a corner, these
modes are disabled. Observe the list below, where you will find the available functions when
selecting nodes. Have in mind that if you have several nodes marked; it may be possible that
some of these options do not appear.
Insert nodes
This function allows you to insert a node between the one selected and the previous
one. The new node is located halfway between them and has the same features of
the selected one. This function is available when you have selected only one node.
Add nodes
This command is used to add several nodes to a reference. The added nodes will
appear after the selected node and are captured by the mouse pointer (i.e.: they
move with it) until you click to fix their position.
Delete nodes
This operation deletes the selected nodes from the reference. You can also delete
node pressing the Delete key, thus achieving the same result over the selected
nodes.
Rotate nodes
Allows you to rotate the figure from the selected node. After selecting this command,
place the mouse pointer over the node, click and rotate the object.
Corners > Corner Swept
This is the default option for grouping the stitches in the
corners.
On the right figure you can observe that the stitches type
(zigzag in this case) stretch to form the outline, producing
some parts with high density stitches.
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Corners > Corner Mitered
In this mode, the stitches type of the section is split in the
vertex of the corner.
In the right figure, you can observe that the concentration of
stitches shown in the previous figure has disappeared.
Corners > Corner Capped
In this type of corners, stitches tend to be perpendicular to
the corner (right figure).
The stitch density in this kind of corner is not very high
either.
Corners > Automatic Corner
Activate this option whenever you want the application to set the corner type
assigned to a node as default.
Open and Close
These options allow you to modify the selected section, opening or closing a path
object.
Node Properties
Opens the Node Properties dialog box. This option
is very useful to define certain features such as the
exact node coordinates, whether it is straight or
curve; and the corner model if it is this type of
node.
When you are editing nodes of a Split Line or Variable Density Points, the Edit, Delete, Insert and
Add commands may show slightly different names, however, its operation mode is identical to the
one described for the outline nodes.
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Using the node handles
Both for the creation (whether with Bezier or Circular Arcs
curves) and edition of outlines and sections of references,
you have shape control elements known as handles.
The handles are little control points associated to each node
that allow you to define the angle slant of the line that
passes through them.
A node can have one, two or no handles, depending on its properties (Straight / Curved and Normal / Corner).
Handles in Circular Arcs curves: Normal and Curved Nodes
These nodes have two symmetric and aligned handles. If
you drag one of them, the other one will move
symmetrically. When moving any of the handles, the other
one also moves, accompanying its movements. This allows
you to adjust the geometry to both sides keeping the
smoothness of the curvature.
Handles in Circular Arcs curves: Corner and Curved Nodes
Nodes defined as corner have handles that are not aligned, that is, they
are not 180º apart from each other. Please note in the right figure that the
angle formed by both handles is acute.
Example of handle edition
In a normal node (with two handles) both keep
aligned and of a fixed length maintaining the
smoothness of the curvature.
Please note the result of dragging a handle in
the far right figure.
However, to modify only one of the handles, drag it while keeping the Ctrl key pressed.
Note that only this handle changes direction and the node turns into Corner mode (next figure).
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You can define the direction of the handles when creating the outlines of
the section. If at the moment of clicking to locate a node you drag the
mouse (without releasing its left button), a handle moves in the direction
of the dragging. Its angle is set when releasing the button.
States of handles in Circular Arcs
Handles have two states:
Free: When the user did not change the angle of the handle. The end’s control
point appears in white.
Fixed: The user has changed the natural angle of the handle and the segment
now responds to this change. The end’s control point appears in violet.
Each handle has a control point in the end. On the left figure these are
the two points marked as (a), and a control point in the middle of the
handle, that corresponds to the two points marked as (b).
The end point (a) can be dragged to modify the direction of the
handle. The point located in the middle (b) allows you to re-establish
the handle to its original situation.
Each time you drag a handle, it turns to a fixed state. If you click on the control located at the
middle of the segment, the handle re-establishes, turning to its free state.
Handles in Bezier curves
When you work in this mode, you have the possibility to freely
move the handles (both in the edition of a section and at the
same time of the trace), making the geometry of the figure
curve according to the direction set to the handles.
In this way, it is easy to define the shape of the section at the
same time you create the outline. For this to happen, drag the
mouse without releasing its left button at the same time you
click to place a node, the slant and length of the handle will be
fixed when releasing the button.
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In the Bezier curves the handles are modified, enlarged and rotated around their node. Nodes can
be symmetric (default mode) or asymmetric.
Types of handles in Bezier nodes
In the Bezier mode the handles behave on the basis of two guidelines. As an example, in the next
figures we will apply both types of handles to the section’s upper node to observe the results.
Symmetric Curves:
This is the default mode of the handles, both are
always aligned.
It is possible to modify both the length of the
handles and the slant; however, the two handles
will always keep the same length and opposite
direction. On the right figure, note that when
varying the length of one handle the other will
also vary, taking the same length but opposite
direction. Both handles are always 180º.
Asymmetric Curves:
This mode allows you to change both the alignment and
the length of one of the handles, without modifying the
length or slant of the other one. For this, select it and
drag it while you keep the Ctrl key pressed.
Note in the right figure that only that handle changes the
direction. According to the angle the two handles
acquire, the node may automatically take the corner
mode.
Basic Elements
Next you will find information on several elements that form part of the
sections. Generally you will be able to access them from the Elements
group when creating the section. Some of them will be available from
the context menu.
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Deleting components of the section
To edit the shape or position of any of these elements place the mouse pointer near one of its
nodes or points. When the mouse arrow is over it you will see that a small icon appears at the
side of the pointer; that will indicate that an element will be selected on the first mouse click.
If you want to delete an element, select it and activate the Delete Element function from the
context menu.
Directions
The direction is the element that indicates the orientation of the stitches that fill the
section.
From the Main working window, the direction corresponds to a line that
has yellow square points on both ends.
The stitches that form the section are applied following the orientation
set by the direction line(s). If the section has only one direction,
stitches are generated parallel to it. If the section has several
directions, the stitches will adapt to all of them, covering the entire
section.
In the Path type sections, the directions are not enabled. But, in the
Column type sections directions are determined at the time of creating
its geometric figure. On the other hand, an Area can generally support
one or more directions.
It is possible to insert these elements at the same time you create the section, after tracing the
shape of the section and before confirming its creation. Select Stitch Direction from the ribbon,
click a couple of times to define the direction’s location, then confirm the creation of the section
from the context menu.
Entry and Exit points
The first section stitch is generated from a reference called entry point, since this
element determines where in the section the thread will come in from.
In the same way, the exit point defines the place by which the thread comes out of the
section; the stitches end in the closest place to the exit point.
The entry point is represented with a green diamond (a), while the exit point with a red one (b).
While you are creating a section you can insert these elements; to do this, trace the shape of the
section and before confirming the creation select Entry Point from the context menu or the ribbon,
and click where you wish to place this reference. Follow the same steps with the exit point and
then confirm the creation of the section.
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If they are not defined manually at the time of creating sections, such elements are defined by the
application, generally at the points closer to the ends of the sections. This entry and exit points
are known as “defined by the application”.
On the example (see the figure next), you can see the representations of these elements in the
shape of small diamonds.
Every time you generate a design, the symbol will appear
somewhere in it. Please note that all the designs have this mark.
That symbol indicates the exact place where the last stitch for
that design will be made. It always appears in the last section of
the design sequence and is generally close to the exit point.
You can relocate the place of the entry and exit points of the sections. The possibilities are:
By User
To assign the location of those points manually. From the Elements group, click on the one you
want to relocate. It will be surrounded on the graphic view. Now drag the entry and/or exit points
to the new location. To avoid dragging a node instead of the entry/exit points, keep the Alt key
depressed while dragging.
Closest Point (Optimized by the system)
The system connects the sections by the closest point. When the property indicates Optimized in
the Connections & Functions tab of the Object Inspector-List view, the application assesses which
is the most convenient position in order to achieve a close connection between the consecutive
sections. If you are using the Object Inspector in detailed View, it will appear as Closest Point.
Holes
It is a closed path that can be included inside the main reference of an Area type
sections.
According to the properties that are assigned, the hole can be:
1. Empty: there is no thread in it.
2. Zig-Zag type: has a Zig-Zag fill, covering the entire surface.
3. Pattern: A pattern is produced in the hole, and it can be different to the one
applied to the main reference.
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The hole can be empty or can be filled with another pattern, when this option is available. When
you insert the first hole in a section with several directions, the first direction created will be the
only one active.
You can insert all the holes you want. The nodes that form the outline of the hole, and the ones
belonging to the main reference have the same characteristics (you can define curve or straight
and normal or corner).
In the design shown on the left figure, observe the section that
forms the butterfly’s right wing. It has three empty holes (marked
as 1, 2 and 3), while the section of the left wing has two holes
but filled with a pattern (4 and 5).
To insert holes in a section, select the Hole command from
the context menu or the ribbon, and click repeatedly inside
the section, where you want to place the hole.
To assign a fill to the selected hole, choose one of the
available options in the Object Inspector, in the “Fill the
Holes” property.
Have in mind the following considerations:
When finishing the insertion of a hole, the first and last node automatically joins, closing
it.
To define the properties of the hole’s nodes, activate the straight or curved modes using
the Shift key, or predetermining the property from the ribbon buttons. You can also
toggle between the Normal and Corner modes, as if the nodes were from the main
reference.
Advanced elements
Emboss Lines
They produce new needle marks (needle penetrations) inside the main reference fill,
following the line/s you create. Observe in the figures next that the marks produced by the
emboss line, (highlighted in the first figure) make like a split effect in the embroidery,
interrupting the continuity of the fill.
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The emboss line nodes have the same characteristics
(straight / curve, normal / corner) than the main reference
nodes. You can insert all the emboss lines you want. To do
this, activate the Emboss line command after tracing the
section’s figure, and then click several times inside the main
reference of the section. Or add them later through the
section's edition.
Cut Lines
Is a line that goes through the main reference dividing the section
in two, thus creating a subsection within a same section. It is
represented with two blue dots. The area limited by the specified
outline (and the holes, if necessary) will be filled with the type of
stitches the application judges more appropriate for its geometrical
shape, choosing among Zig-Zag and pattern type stitches.
Auto-Fill type sections automatically insert cut lines according to the geometry of the main
reference; this is the case of the section figure. Have in mind that you can insert more than one
cut line per section.
Observe in the following figures three examples of Auto Fill sections.
In order to apply a cut line when creating a section, trace the main reference, from the ribbon,
select Cut Line and insert, inside the section area, a pair of nodes for each cut line you want to
create. To finish, open the context menu and select Accept / OK. You can also enable the Cut
Line by pressing Ctrl + R.
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Cut Line and Direction
A cut line can, also, influence the orientation of stitches as if they
were direction lines. For this to happen, edit the cut line by clicking
on one of its blue nodes. A round yellow dot appears at the side of
the node (shown in the left figure); when clicking on it you will
modify the cut line attribute, also turning it into a direction line.
From that time, the stitches of the subsection will be oriented
according to the cut line direction. You can specify a cut line to
also be a direction line from the very beginning of the section. To
do so, create cut lines but pressing the Shift key.
Basic Digitizing and Section Fill
Paths
Running Stitch
Main properties:
Color, running stitch type
length, stitches repetitions,
short or long backsteps,
advanced step, thickness,
adjustment of stitches in
between references, etc.
Zig-Zag
Main properties:
Color, stitches density, column
width and offset, random
effect, centered, regular type
or Z type, underlay stitches,
compensation stitches, short
stitches, split stitch, locks,
stitch effects, etc.
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E Stitch
Main properties:
Color, type, stitch density,
column width and offset,
centered on the artwork,
jagged edge, random edges,
pull compensation, split stitch,
auto split, repeat stitches, etc.
Capture example: Path Section type
1) Select the Path creation tool.
2) Verify that the Curved button is activated.
3) Verify that the Normal button is activated, in
order to produce normal nodes.
4) Then, enter the following sequence of nodes.
5) Click on the design’s area for the first node 1 to 5,
following the suggested shape.
6) When creating node 6, do not forget to press the Ctrl key for a corner node.
7) When creating nodes 7 and 8 do not release the Ctrl key and also press the Shift key, in this
way you create a straight and a corner node.
8) Release the keys before creating node 9.
9) Continue the sequence as shown in the figure, up to node 12.
10) For node 13, press the Ctrl. key, you will create a straight corner.
11) For nodes 14 and 15, click on Shift to create straight nodes.
12) Go to the context menu and click on Accept/OK, or press the Enter key. Generate the new
stitches by pressing F9.
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Columns
In the next figures, the same section is shown but the stitch type is different. You can observe
how the directions guide the stitches orientation in the different examples.
Zig-Zag
Main properties:
Color, stitch density, normal or Z
type, random effect, pull
compensation, short stitches,
underlay, automatic stitches
split, locks, etc.
E Stitch
Main properties:
Color, type (E, EE or
square stitches), stitches
density, jagged edge,
random effect, pull
compensation, automatic
stitches split, repeat
stitches, etc.
Capture Example: Column Section type
You may define straight, curved, corner nodes, etc. by working with the nodes properties.
Besides, this type of section accepts split lines. You must proceed as follows:
1) Select the Column creation tool.
2) Verify that the Curved button is activated to produce curve nodes.
3) Verify that the Normal button is activated, to produce normal nodes. Then, enter the
following sequence of nodes:
4) Enter the nodes 1 and 2, following the order and layout shown in the diagram. In this
way, you would create the first pair of nodes.
5) Place the nodes 3 and 4 in the corresponding location. With this second pair of
nodes, the column begins to take shape.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
6) Enter node 5, press the Ctrl key while laying out point 6 (corner) and then release this
key.
7) Insert the nodes pair 7 and 8, then 9 and 10.
8) Insert the start (11) and end (12) points.
9) Go to the context menu and click on Accept / OK or press Enter.
Areas
Next we will describe some of the different fill types with their most important properties. Have in
mind that obtaining a good result depends on your knowledge of the different fill types and their
features.
Uniform Area with Pattern fill
Main properties:
Color, pattern library, density,
hole features, pull
compensation, avoid small
width, outline free of stitches,
underlay, locks, random edge,
etc.
Description: It consists of a series of stitches that cover the entire section. The modification of
certain parameters, such as the stitch length, angle or sequence, transforms the pattern aspect.
This fill type is formed by patterns with different designs, generally geometric figures.
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Basic Manual Digitizing
Uniform Area with Applique
Main properties:
Color, Reference, Cut enabled,
running stitches, Zig-Zag.
Description: This type of stitches makes stitch marks in the
section’s outlines, and needs an additional fabric. This fabric
is fixed to the garment through the stitches produced in its
outlines, generally by means of Zig-Zag stitches.
When creating this type of sections, you define the
applique's shape reproducing its geometry. When
embroidering a section with this type of fill, the machine first
applies an artwork, reproducing the figure with running
stitches; then, it inserts a machine stop to allow the
embroiderer to layout the garment. Afterwards, you proceed
with the fastening embroidery.
In the right figure, observe the result of working with an
applique.
Turning Area with Zig-Zag Fill
Main properties:
Color, stitch density, normal or Z
type, random effect, pull
compensation, short stitches,
automatic stitches split, Density vs.
Stitch Length, repeat stitches, etc.
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Stitch Era – User's Manual
Turning Area with E Stitch Fill
Main properties:
Color, type (E, EE or square
stitches), stitches density,
jagged edge, random effect,
pull compensation, automatic
stitches separation, locks,
repeat stitches, etc.
Description: As the Zig-Zag fill is one of the most commonly used stitches type.
As for the E stitch, it is similar to the Zig-Zag stitch, sharing many of the properties.
On the other hand, you must remember that when modifying the type you can obtain EE stitches
or Square stitches, changing considerably the final aspect of the section.
Capture example: Area type Section
You may use the straight, curved, normal and corner properties to give the desired shape to the
outline of an area section; this type of section also admits Emboss Line, except for the Texture fill
type. If you do not do so, Stitch Era will automatically fix the start and end points and at least one
direction.
Considerations for the capture
During the creation of area sections, you should consider some necessary requirements, since
there are certain conditions to be met. Have in mind the following points:
1. It is recommended that the direction line(s) cut the outline at least in one point.
2. The outline does not have to cross over itself.
3. When entering two or more direction lines, these lines do not have to intercept
within the section.
4. When entering two or more direction lines, observe that they do not force the
stitches to rotate more than 180°. If you need to produce an effect of this type,
add a middle direction line.
5. The order you follow to create the stitches that define a direction is not important.
At the moment of designing an area type section you must enter the nodes that define the area’s
outline or the main artwork, and then insert holes, emboss lines, directions, etc. If you do not
enter at least one direction line, a horizontal direction line will be automatically inserted. In the
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